Best Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair: Moisture That Actually Lasts

Last updated: February 2026 by Darius Washington, Black Men’s Grooming Editor

4C hair is the most misunderstood texture in men’s grooming. I cannot tell you how many times I sat in my uncle’s barbershop in Atlanta and heard someone say their hair was just “too difficult” or “too dry to do anything with.” That is not a hair problem. That is a product problem. And the single most important product in a 4C routine is the one most men either skip or choose wrong: the leave-in conditioner. Finding the best leave-in conditioner for 4C hair changed my entire approach to hair care, and it will change yours too.

This guide ranks the best leave-in conditioners specifically for 4C coily hair. I cover the three main types (sprays, milks, and creams), the ingredients that matter for extreme moisture retention, the ingredients that are actively working against you, and exactly where leave-in conditioner fits in the LOC/LCO layering method. Every product here has been evaluated on 4C hair. Not 3C. Not “all textures.” 4C.

Why Leave-In Conditioner Is Non-Negotiable for 4C Hair

Let me explain why 4C hair specifically needs a leave-in conditioner, not just a rinse-out conditioner, not just oil, and not just water.

4C coils are the tightest curl pattern on the Andre Walker scale. That tight coil creates two problems that no other hair type deals with at the same intensity. First, the natural oils your scalp produces (sebum) physically cannot travel down the hair shaft. On straighter hair, sebum slides down easily, coating and moisturizing from root to tip. On 4C hair, the tight zigzag bends act like speed bumps that stop sebum within the first centimeter from the scalp. Your ends are effectively on their own.

Second, 4C hair has more cuticle layers that tend to lift and stay open, which means moisture evaporates out of the hair shaft faster than it does from looser curl patterns. You wash your hair, it feels soft and hydrated, and three hours later it is dry and brittle again. That is not your hair failing you. That is physics.

A leave-in conditioner addresses both problems. It provides external moisture and slip that replaces what sebum would normally provide, and it coats the hair shaft to slow down moisture evaporation. A good leave-in for 4C hair is not a luxury step. It is the foundation that every other product in your routine builds on.

Skip it, and your curl cream sits on top of dry hair. Skip it, and your oil seals in nothing. Skip it, and your shampoo day softness disappears by the evening.

Three Types of Leave-In Conditioners (and Which One 4C Needs)

Not all leave-in conditioners are built the same. The market has three distinct formats, and understanding the difference is the first step to choosing correctly.

Spray Leave-Ins

The lightest format. Spray leave-ins are water-based solutions with conditioning agents suspended in them. They come in a spray bottle and distribute evenly with a few spritzes. Spray leave-ins are great for refreshing styles between wash days and for very short hair where heavier products create visible residue.

Best for 4C? As a standalone, no. Spray leave-ins do not provide enough moisture for 4C coils on their own. They evaporate too quickly. However, a spray leave-in works well as the “liquid” step in the LOC method, applied before oil and cream. Think of it as a moisture primer, not a full moisture solution.

Milk Leave-Ins

The middle ground. Milk leave-ins have a thin, lotion-like consistency that is heavier than a spray but lighter than a cream. They pour rather than scoop. Milk leave-ins provide more moisture than sprays and distribute easily through hair without clumping.

Best for 4C? Solid option for 4C men who find cream leave-ins too heavy or who have shorter hair. Milks work well during warmer months when humidity helps with moisture retention. In dry climates or winter, a milk alone may not be enough for 4C.

Cream Leave-Ins

The heaviest format. Cream leave-ins are thick, butter-like products that you scoop or squeeze from a jar or tube. They provide the most moisture and the longest-lasting softness. Cream leave-ins coat the hair shaft thoroughly and create a moisture barrier that slows evaporation.

Best for 4C? Yes. For most 4C hair routines, a cream leave-in is the baseline recommendation. The thickness matches the intensity of moisture loss that 4C coils experience. The only caution is overuse: too much cream leave-in on short hair creates a heavy, weighed-down look. Start with a dime-sized amount and increase as needed.

Quick Comparison

Ingredients That Work for 4C Hair (and What to Avoid)

The label matters more than the brand name. I have seen $4 leave-ins outperform $25 ones because the formula was right for the hair type. Here is what to look for and what to run from.

Ingredients to Look For

Glycerin. The most important humectant for 4C hair. Glycerin draws moisture from the air into your hair shaft. It should be in the top five ingredients of any leave-in you buy. One caveat: in extremely dry or cold climates (below 30% humidity), glycerin can reverse and pull moisture out of your hair. If you live somewhere with dry winters, look for glycerin combined with a heavy sealant like shea butter to prevent this.

Shea butter. A heavy emollient that coats the hair shaft, seals in moisture, and adds softness. Shea butter is in almost every product formulated for 4C hair, and for good reason. It is one of the few natural ingredients thick enough to create a real moisture barrier on tightly coiled hair.

Coconut oil. One of the only oils proven to actually penetrate the hair shaft rather than just sitting on top. A 2003 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that coconut oil reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair when used as a pre-wash or leave-in treatment. For 4C hair, this translates to stronger strands and better moisture retention from the inside out.

Aloe vera. Lightweight moisture that also adds slip for detangling. Aloe vera has a pH close to the hair’s natural pH (4.5 to 5.5), which helps keep the cuticle sealed and smooth. Great as a base ingredient in spray and milk leave-ins.

Castor oil. Thick, heavy, and excellent for sealing. Castor oil is popular in the 4C community for edges and thin spots because it coats thoroughly and holds moisture in place. In a leave-in formula, it adds weight and lasting softness. Best for 4C men with drier or more porous hair.

Hydrolyzed proteins (wheat, silk, keratin). Proteins temporarily patch gaps in the hair cuticle, which reduces moisture loss and strengthens the strand. Important for 4C hair that has been heat-damaged, colored, or is naturally high-porosity. However, too much protein causes brittleness. A leave-in with protein should be balanced by a moisture-heavy deep conditioner weekly.

Ingredients to Avoid

Mineral oil and petrolatum. These are occlusive agents that sit on top of the hair and create a barrier. The problem is they seal moisture out, not in. If you apply mineral oil to dry hair, you just sealed the dryness in place. These ingredients are cheap, which is why they appear in many budget products. Read the label.

Non-water-soluble silicones (dimethicone, amodimethicone, cyclomethicone). Silicones make hair feel smooth and shiny immediately. The long-term effect is buildup that coats the hair shaft and blocks moisture from entering. Over weeks, silicone buildup makes 4C hair feel stiff, dry under the surface, and unresponsive to conditioning. If a product contains silicones, it should at least be water-soluble ones (like dimethicone copolyol) that wash out with regular shampoo.

Drying alcohols (SD alcohol, alcohol denat, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol). These evaporate quickly and take moisture with them. They are common in spray leave-ins and lightweight products. Not every alcohol is bad. Fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol) are actually moisturizing and perfectly safe for 4C hair. Learn to tell them apart on the label.

Sulfates (in leave-in products). Rare but it happens. Some “conditioning” sprays contain small amounts of sulfate cleansers. These have no place in a product you are leaving in your hair all day.

The 10 Best Leave-In Conditioners for 4C Hair

I evaluated every product below on three criteria: moisture retention over 24 hours on 4C hair, ease of application, and value for the price. I have prioritized Black-owned brands where the quality matched or exceeded mainstream alternatives, because the brands that formulate for us first deserve to be listed first.

1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler (Best Overall)

Price: $10-13 | Type: Cream | Size: 8 oz

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler is the product I come back to every time I test something new and want to reset to a known baseline. The formula leads with shea butter and argan oil, and the consistency is thick enough for 4C without being so heavy that it weighs down shorter styles.

Moisture retention is excellent. Applied after a wash on damp 4C hair, softness lasts through the next morning without any refresh. Detangling slip is above average, which matters because 4C tangles are where breakage happens. The scent is a mild coconut-shea that fades within an hour.

Only real downside is availability. SheaMoisture reformulates products frequently, and this specific variant has gone in and out of stock. When you find it, buy two.

Best for: 4C men who want a reliable, heavy cream leave-in for wash day routines. Works as the cream step in the LOC method.

2. TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner (Best Black-Owned)

Price: $13-16 | Type: Cream | Size: 13 oz

TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In is from Thank God It’s Natural, a Black-owned brand that has built its entire line around intense moisture for natural hair. The green tea extract adds antioxidant protection and the formula includes both glycerin and shea butter for a humectant-plus-sealant double layer.

This is slightly lighter than the SheaMoisture, which makes it more versatile across seasons. In summer humidity, it provides all-day moisture without feeling greasy. In winter dryness, layer it with an oil underneath for extra protection. The 13 oz bottle is generous for the price point.

Best for: 4C men who want a Black-owned brand with year-round versatility. Great value per ounce.

3. Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In Conditioner (Best for Detangling)

Price: $9-12 | Type: Cream | Size: 12 oz

If detangling is your biggest battle, Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In is the move. This Black-owned brand blew up for a reason: the slip on this product is exceptional. 4C tangles that normally require 20 minutes of careful combing release in half the time with this formula.

The pomegranate extract adds vitamins and antioxidants. The honey acts as a humectant alongside glycerin. Moisture retention is solid, though not quite as long-lasting as the SheaMoisture or TGIN for the driest 4C textures. For men who style their 4C hair regularly (twist-outs, sponge curls), the detangling benefit makes wash day dramatically easier.

Best for: 4C men with high-density hair who spend too long detangling on wash day.

4. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning (Best Milk Leave-In)

Price: $10-12 | Type: Milk | Size: 8 oz

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk is the best milk-format leave-in I have found for 4C. The consistency is thin enough to distribute evenly on short hair without clumping, but the formula has enough conditioning agents (shea butter, cocoa butter, agave) to actually moisturize 4C coils.

This is my go-to recommendation for 4C men with shorter hair (under two inches) where cream leave-ins feel too heavy. The pour-and-spread application means no scooping, no uneven patches, no white residue. Carol’s Daughter is a legacy Black hair care brand, and this product reflects decades of formulation knowledge for textured hair.

Best for: 4C men with shorter hair who find cream leave-ins too heavy. Excellent for daily use.

5. Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Mist (Best Spray Leave-In)

Price: $11-14 | Type: Spray | Size: 8 oz

Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Mist is a Black-owned brand built specifically for Black men, which already puts it ahead of most spray leave-ins that are formulated for women’s longer hair. The spray is fine and even, the formula contains biotin and aloe vera, and the scent is clean and masculine.

As a standalone leave-in for 4C, a spray is not enough. I have been clear about that. But as the liquid step in the LOC method, Scotch Porter is the best option I have tested. Spray after washing, follow with oil, then cream. This combination gives 4C hair the deepest moisture penetration I have experienced. Also excellent for midweek refreshes when your style needs a quick moisture boost.

Best for: 4C men who use the LOC method and need a quality liquid-step product. Daily refresh tool.

6. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream (Best Budget)

Price: $5-7 | Type: Cream | Size: 16 oz

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Repair Cream delivers more moisture per dollar than any other product on this list. The 16 oz container at $5-7 is hard to argue with, especially if you are building a routine from scratch and do not want to invest $50 in products before you know what works for you.

The formula is straightforward: shea butter, argan oil, and glycerin. It moisturizes 4C hair effectively and provides decent detangling slip. The reason it ranks sixth instead of higher is ingredient quality. Cantu contains some silicones and mineral oil derivatives that can cause buildup over time. If you use Cantu daily, plan on a clarifying wash every two to three weeks instead of monthly.

That said, this is the product I recommend to men who have never used a leave-in conditioner before. Start here. See how your hair responds. Then upgrade to TGIN or SheaMoisture once you understand what your hair needs.

Best for: 4C men on a budget or new to leave-in conditioners. Unbeatable price-to-size ratio.

7. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner (Best for Natural Ingredients)

Price: $12-15 | Type: Cream | Size: 8 oz

Kinky-Curly Knot Today is the clean-ingredient champion. No silicones, no mineral oil, no sulfates, no parabens, no drying alcohols. The formula is built around organic aloe vera juice, slippery elm, and marshmallow root extract. If you read ingredient labels before buying, this product will make you happy.

The slip for detangling is outstanding, close to Mielle but with a lighter consistency. Moisture retention is moderate. This is lighter than the SheaMoisture and TGIN creams, so 4C men in dry climates will want to layer it with an oil. But for 4C men who are ingredient-conscious or have sensitive scalps that react to synthetic ingredients, Knot Today is the best option available.

Best for: 4C men who prioritize clean, natural ingredients. Excellent for sensitive scalps.

8. Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In (Best for Extra Dry Hair)

Price: $8-10 | Type: Cream | Size: 12 oz

Aunt Jackie’s Quench is the heaviest leave-in on this list. If your 4C hair is the kind that feels dry again 30 minutes after applying product, this formula was designed for you. Shea butter, olive oil, and flaxseed combine for a thick, rich consistency that coats 4C coils thoroughly.

The tradeoff for all that moisture is weight. On shorter hair, Aunt Jackie’s Quench can feel heavy and look greasy if you use too much. Start with a pea-sized amount for short hair, a nickel-sized amount for medium length. It is also heavier than ideal for the LOC liquid step. Use this as your cream layer, not your base layer.

Best for: 4C men with extremely dry, high-porosity hair that resists lighter products.

9. As I Am Leave-In Conditioner (Best for Styling Prep)

Price: $8-11 | Type: Cream | Size: 8 oz

As I Am Leave-In Conditioner sits in a useful middle ground between moisture product and styling prep. The formula includes coconut oil, green tea extract, and a light hold agent that gives 4C hair a slight structure without crunch. This makes it ideal as a base layer before twist-outs, finger coils, or sponge curls.

Moisture retention is good but not exceptional compared to the top three on this list. Where As I Am shines is as a two-in-one: leave-in moisture plus pre-style base. If you style your 4C hair regularly, this product reduces your routine by one step because you do not need a separate styling cream on top.

Best for: 4C men who style regularly (twist-outs, sponge curls) and want a combined moisture and styling base.

10. Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother (Best for Damaged 4C Hair)

Price: $28-30 | Type: Cream | Size: 3.3 oz

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is the most expensive product on this list by a significant margin, and it is the only one I recommend with a specific condition attached: use this if your 4C hair is damaged. Heat damage from blow dryers, color treatment damage, or breakage from years of improper care. Olaplex’s patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate technology repairs broken disulfide bonds in the hair shaft.

This is not a traditional leave-in conditioner in the cultural sense. It is a bond repair treatment that functions as a leave-in. The moisture level is moderate, so you will still want to layer it with a traditional cream leave-in for all-day softness. But for 4C hair that has been through it, Olaplex No. 6 rebuilds structural integrity that no amount of shea butter can fix.

Best for: 4C men recovering from heat damage, color damage, or chronic breakage. Not necessary for healthy 4C hair.

Product Comparison Table

*SheaMoisture was founded by Richelieu Dennis (Liberian-American) but is now owned by Unilever. **Carol’s Daughter was founded by Lisa Price (Black-owned origin) but is now owned by L’Oreal. Both are included for their legacy in Black hair care and continued formulation for textured hair.

The LOC and LCO Methods: Where Leave-In Fits in Your Routine

If you take one thing from this article beyond the product picks, let it be this: a leave-in conditioner is not a standalone product for 4C hair. It is one layer in a moisture system. The two most effective layering systems are the LOC method and the LCO method.

LOC Method (Liquid, Oil, Cream)

This is the method I use on my own 4B/4C hair and the one I recommend for most 4C men.

1. Liquid: Water or a spray leave-in (Scotch Porter Hair Mist or plain water in a spray bottle). Apply to freshly washed, damp hair. The goal is to get moisture INTO the hair shaft while the cuticle is open.
2. Oil: A lightweight oil (coconut, jojoba, or argan). Apply a small amount, palms together, then smooth over the hair. The oil creates a barrier that traps the liquid layer inside the hair shaft. Without this step, the water evaporates within the hour.
3. Cream: A cream leave-in conditioner (SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter or TGIN Green Tea). Apply as the final layer to lock everything in place and provide ongoing moisture and softness.

The oil between liquid and cream is what makes LOC work for 4C specifically. That barrier prevents the rapid moisture loss that 4C coils experience. Without the oil layer, you are essentially applying liquid and cream with nothing to slow evaporation between them.

LCO Method (Liquid, Cream, Oil)

Same products, different order. Liquid first, then cream, then oil on top. This works for 4C men who find that LOC makes their hair feel too heavy or greasy. The oil as the final layer seals the cream in without the layered-butter effect that LOC can create on shorter hair.

My rule of thumb: try LOC first. If your hair feels weighed down or looks greasy, switch to LCO. If LOC keeps your hair soft all day, stick with it. Most 4C men end up on LOC because the moisture retention is stronger.

Where Leave-In Fits

In LOC, the leave-in conditioner IS the cream step. In LCO, it is also the cream step. If you use a spray leave-in, that is your liquid step. A cream leave-in is your cream step. A milk leave-in can function as either depending on its consistency.

The critical thing to understand: a leave-in conditioner is not a replacement for the LOC/LCO system. It is a component of that system. Using a cream leave-in alone, without the liquid and oil layers, is like wearing a winter coat with no shirt underneath. The coat is great, but something is missing underneath it.

How to Apply Leave-In Conditioner to 4C Hair

Application technique matters almost as much as product choice. I have seen men use the right product the wrong way and blame the product when it did not work.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Start with clean, damp hair. Apply after washing and conditioning while the hair is still wet. Not dripping, but damp enough that you can feel moisture when you touch it. Towel-blot with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt (regular terry cloth towels cause friction and frizz on 4C hair).
2. Section your hair. Even on short hair, dividing into four sections ensures even coverage. On medium to long 4C hair, six to eight sections is better. Use clips if needed.
3. Apply product section by section. For cream leave-ins, scoop a dime-sized amount per section. Rub between your palms to emulsify, then smooth over the section from root to tip. Use the praying hands technique: place the section between your palms and smooth downward.
4. Detangle while the product is in. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work through tangles. Always work from the tips up toward the roots. Never start at the root and pull down, which causes breakage on 4C hair.
5. Do not rinse. This is the “leave-in” part. Let the product sit in your hair. Follow with oil and/or styling product as needed.

Common Application Mistakes

Applying to dry hair. Leave-in conditioner works best on damp hair because water opens the cuticle and allows the product to penetrate. On dry hair, the product sits on the surface and provides minimal benefit. If you are applying between wash days, spritz with water first.

Using too much product. More is not better. Excess product causes buildup, heaviness, and visible white residue on dark 4C hair. Start with less than you think you need. You can always add more.

Applying only to the top. 4C men tend to focus product on what they can see in the mirror and neglect the sides and back. Your entire head needs moisture, not just the crown. Section and apply methodically.

Rubbing product in aggressively. 4C hair is fragile when wet. Aggressive rubbing causes breakage at the cuticle. Smooth, press, and pat. Do not rub or scrub.

Complete 4C Wash Day Routine with Leave-In

Here is the full routine I follow on wash day, incorporating leave-in conditioner into the larger system. This routine takes about 30 to 45 minutes and sets your hair up for three to five days of defined, moisturized 4C texture.

1. Pre-wash oil treatment (optional): Apply coconut oil to dry hair 30 minutes before washing. This reduces protein loss during the shampoo step.
2. Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Focus on the scalp, not the ends. Let the suds rinse through the hair without scrubbing the lengths.
3. Deep conditioner: Apply a heavy conditioner or hair mask. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes under a plastic cap. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in.
4. Rinse with cool water: Cool water seals the cuticle, which helps lock in the moisture from the deep conditioner.
5. LOC method:
   • L: Spray leave-in or leave hair damp from rinse
   • O: Small amount of jojoba or coconut oil, smoothed through
   • C: Cream leave-in conditioner, section by section
6. Style: Twist-out, sponge curls, finger coils, or let air dry for a natural 4C texture.
7. Protect: Once dry, cover with a satin bonnet or durag overnight.

Between wash days, use a spray leave-in or water spritz in the morning to refresh moisture, followed by a light touch of oil to re-seal. A full re-application of cream leave-in should only happen on wash day unless your hair is extremely dry.

Seasonal Adjustments for 4C Leave-In Routines

Your leave-in conditioner should not be the same product all year. 4C hair responds differently to humidity, cold, and dryness, and your products need to match.

Summer and Humid Climates

Glycerin-heavy products thrive in humidity because they pull moisture from the air. Use a lighter leave-in (milk or light cream) and let the humidity do some of the moisture work. You may be able to skip the oil step in the LOC method during peak humidity months. Your moisturizer routine for your face adapts seasonally too, and your hair should follow the same logic.

Winter and Dry Climates

This is when 4C hair struggles most. Cold air holds less moisture, indoor heating dries the air further, and glycerin can actually pull moisture OUT of your hair. Switch to a heavier cream leave-in (Aunt Jackie’s Quench or SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter). Add an extra oil layer in the LOC method. Consider a butter-based sealant as a fourth layer on top of everything. Reduce washing frequency to once per week or every 10 days to preserve natural oils.

Transitional Seasons (Spring and Fall)

These are the easiest seasons for 4C hair. Moderate humidity means glycerin works properly, temperatures are mild, and your standard LOC routine performs at its best. This is a good time to experiment with new products because your hair is in its most balanced state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use leave-in conditioner on 4C hair?

Every time you wet your hair or restyle. At minimum, after every wash day (once or twice per week) and during midweek refreshes. A light spray leave-in can be used daily for a morning moisture refresh without buildup. Cream leave-ins should be applied to freshly washed or thoroughly dampened hair, not layered on top of old product.

Can I use leave-in conditioner on dry 4C hair?

It works better on damp hair. Water opens the cuticle and allows the conditioner to penetrate rather than sitting on the surface. For dry hair application, spritz with water first, then apply the leave-in. The difference in moisture retention is noticeable within the first hour.

What is the difference between leave-in conditioner and regular conditioner?

Regular conditioner is designed to soften and detangle during your wash, then gets rinsed out. Leave-in conditioner stays in your hair all day, providing ongoing moisture and protection. Leave-in formulas are lighter and designed for prolonged contact. For 4C hair, use both. Rinse-out during your wash for deep conditioning, leave-in afterward for all-day moisture.

Should I use a spray, milk, or cream leave-in for 4C hair?

Cream leave-ins provide the most moisture and are the best standalone choice for 4C. Milks work for shorter hair or warmer months. Sprays are ideal as the liquid step in the LOC method or as a daily refresher, but they are not enough moisture on their own for 4C coils.

Do leave-in conditioners cause buildup on 4C hair?

Products with heavy silicones and mineral oil can cause buildup that blocks moisture. Water-soluble ingredients and natural oils rinse clean with sulfate-free shampoo. Do a clarifying wash monthly to prevent buildup regardless of product choice. If your hair feels stiff or stops absorbing moisture, buildup is the likely culprit.

Is leave-in conditioner enough moisture for 4C hair?

Usually not. 4C coils lose moisture faster than any other hair type. The LOC method (liquid, oil, cream) layers multiple products to seal moisture in. Leave-in conditioner serves as one layer in that system. You will likely also need an oil and possibly a styling cream for all-day moisture retention.

What is the best way to apply leave-in conditioner to short 4C hair?

Spray or milk leave-ins distribute most evenly on short hair. For cream leave-ins, emulsify a dime-sized amount between your palms until thin, then pat and smooth rather than rubbing. Avoid excess product on short hair, which causes visible white residue against dark hair.

Build Your 4C Moisture System

A leave-in conditioner is not a product. It is a commitment to treating your 4C hair the way it deserves. Every recommendation in this guide exists because I got tired of watching Black men walk out of barbershops and drugstores with products that were never formulated for their hair texture. 4C is not “hard to manage.” It is specific. And specificity is what this guide gives you.

Here is your action plan:

• If you have never used a leave-in: Start with Cantu Leave-In Repair Cream ($5-7). It is cheap, widely available, and effective enough to show you what a leave-in can do for your hair.
• If you want the best performance: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Detangler ($10-13) as your cream step in the LOC method.
• If you want to support Black-owned: TGIN Green Tea Leave-In ($13-16) or Mielle Pomegranate and Honey ($9-12).
• If your hair is damaged: Olaplex No. 6 ($28-30) layered with a cream leave-in on top.

Pair your leave-in with the right foundation: a sulfate-free shampoo for Black men, a solid moisturizer for your face and scalp, and a curly hair fade at the barbershop to keep the shape clean. If you are growing out your 4C hair, check our 360 waves guide for an alternative styling path, or our types of fades guide for the best cuts to pair with natural texture.

Your hair is already doing its job. Give it the moisture it needs and let it show you what it can do.